Fluidflo Valve Solutions, as the experts in actuators, have the most efficient explosion proof actuators that are tested in-house to make sure they meet the highest of quality standards. All Fluidflo Valve Solution explosion proof actuators are iECEx certified to ensure the safety of explosive atmosphere facilities and its personnel. Fluidflo Valve Solutions is a provider of explosion proof actuators, playing a crucial role in many industries. Explosion proof actuators provide automated control over a wide range of valve types and are specially designed to work in hazardous environments. Explosion-proof actuators play a critical role in facility safety, ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers from explosions.
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What Is An Explosion Proof Actuator?
An explosion proof actuator is specially designed to prevent explosions in hazardous environments. By preventing ignition in environments with sparks or flames, an explosion proof actuator will reduce the potential of reacting and exploding. Explosion proof actuators have a hard enclosed casing and are sealed to prevent any explosive spark from exiting the actuator to the atmosphere. The sealing ensures the explosion proof actuator can withstand the force of any internal explosion. They offer safe and reliable operation in volatile conditions.
Industries that use explosion proof actuators usually involve flammable gases, dust or vapours. These include:
- Chemical handling: An explosion proof actuator will control the processes to do with chemical handling. A chemical plant often has hazardous chemicals which could contain flammable materials or gases with the potential for combustion.
- Pharmaceutical companies: Explosion proof actuators are used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and processing facilities to control equipment that handles flammable solvents and other hazardous materials.
- Oil and gas: Oil rigs, refineries and pipelines need explosion proof actuators to control valves and equipment. Explosion proof actuators ensure that flammable gases and vapours in oil and gas facilities do not become a large explosion.
- Mining: Underground mining and surface processing plants use explosion control actuators to control machinery, ventilation and systems where methane and other flammable gases are a common byproduct.
- Food processing: The food processing industry sometimes has systems that create flammable gases or vapours. Explosion proof actuators are required in these situations to control equipment that handles the food processing, while minimising the likelihood of explosions occurring.
Components of Explosion Proof Actuators
Explosion proof actuators have key components that ensure they are safe to work well in hazardous conditions and prevent explosions. The components of explosion proof actuators are:
Electric motor: Converts electrical energy into mechanical motion.
Gear box: The gear box transmits the speed and torque from the motor to the valve.
Enclosure: Casing that prevents sparks or heat from escaping.
Control unit: Starts, stops and positions the operation of the actuator to the desired direction or movement.
Limit switches: Ensures the actuator stops, preventing potential damage from overtravel.
Seals and gaskets: An additional protection against the ingress of dust and other contaminants.
Sensors: Monitors the actuator position and provides feedback to ensure precise control.
Manual override: Allows the operator to be able to manually override the system in the case of an emergency or power failure.
How Does an Explosion Proof Actuator Work?
Explosion proof actuators work by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion to control a valve’s position. The process of how they work includes these steps:
- The actuator receives electrical power from an external source
- A signal is sent to the actuator’s control unit to direct the valve’s position or movement.
- The control unit starts the electric motor which converts electrical energy into mechanical motion.
- The gearbox transmission transmits the motor’s rotational motion and adjusts the speed to the required levels.
- The adjusted motion transfers to the valve stem which causes the opening, closing or adjusting of the valve to the directed position.
- The valve position is monitored by the potions sensor which sends feedback to the control unit.
- When the valve is at the desired position, the motor is deactivated by the limit switches to prevent it from overtravelling.
Advantages of Explosion Proof Actuators
- Explosion prevention: Preventing explosions in hazardous environments, ensuring safety of staff, protecting the facility and ensuring uninterrupted production.
- Extra strength: Explosion proof actuators are slightly larger and heavier due to the extra sealing design. Thicker walls or extra ribs for strength are typical characteristics of an explosion proof actuator.
- High precision: Advanced electrical control circuits in explosion proof actuators ensure high precision control and accuracy. These actuators have precise torque adjustment and electric braking technology which reduces any system dead zones.
- Protection features: Explosion proof actuators have overheating protection and comprehensive overload protection which makes them ideal for complex and hazardous environments. Explosion proof actuators have a strong, sealed enclosure designed for hazardous environments, while a standard actuator has a more simple design.
How To Choose An Explosion Proof Actuator
When choosing an explosion proof actuator, pay close attention to these considerations to ensure it is compatible and safe for your environment.
- Application requirements: Ensure the actuator is compatible with the specific valve and meets the requirements. Make sure it meets torque requirements, and as the right motion type for the specific application.
- Environmental conditions: Consider environmental conditions like heat, humidity, or the presence of hazardous gases or substances. Make sure the explosion proof actuator can operate within these conditions.
- Control and communication: Make sure the actuator has the correct control method to ensure compatibility with signal types like digital or analogue.
- Power supply: Make sure the actuator is compatible with the available power supply.
- Durability and maintenance: Consider the conditions the actuator will be subjected to and make sure it has solid construction with robust materials to withstand any external pressure or hazardous situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What industries use explosion proof actuators?
Industries like gas, mining, oil plants, chemical processing and pharmaceutical processing that have potential explosive environments.
What is the difference between explosive proof actuators and standard actuators?
Explosion proof actuators are specifically designed for hazardous environments, while standard actuators do not have the same safety features.
How do I maintain an explosion proof actuator?
Service and maintain on a regular basis to ensure the safety features of the explosion proof actuator are still at optimal standard. Only authorised person/s are allowed to maintain and repair explosion proof actuators. During the service, they will check for signs of wear and tear, and inspect seals and gaskets to make sure they are in good working order.